Simple and Delicious Mozzarella Caprese Salad Recipe

 Today I have a really yummy appetizer to hold the family over before the main dish. This Mozzarella Caprese Salad is one of my all time favorite dishes, and I have the easy recipe for you today.

The Ultimate Mozzarella Caprese Salad: Fresh, Simple, and Divine

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made Mozzarella Caprese Salad. It’s a harmonious blend of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and that perfect drizzle of balsamic glaze and olive oil. With just a few ingredients, this salad captivates your palate and transports you straight to an Italian summer garden. Let’s explore how to make this delectable dish a go-to in your culinary repertoire.

FAQs

What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Fresh mozzarella is the key to a heavenly Caprese salad. Look for soft, moist mozzarella balls in the deli section of your grocery store.

Can I use cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely. If you prefer smaller tomatoes or if cherry tomatoes are in season, feel free to use them.

Is the balsamic glaze essential?

While traditional Caprese often features just olive oil, the balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that many people adore.

Tips and Tricks

Choose the Freshest Ingredients

This salad shines with quality ingredients. Pick ripe, flavorful tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

Drizzle, Don’t Drown

A light hand with the olive oil and balsamic glaze will highlight rather than overpower the other ingredients.

Season at the Last Minute

Freshly ground pepper is best added just before serving to maintain its aromatic punch.

Variations

Vegan Caprese

Use vegan mozzarella and make sure your balsamic glaze is vegan-friendly.

Add Protein

Some grilled chicken or shrimp can transform this salad into a main course.

Spice It Up

For a hint of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top.

Where to Serve

This Mozzarella Caprese Salad is versatile. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for a quick lunch. It also makes an excellent side dish at barbecues and picnics.

Storage

Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t store well. The tomatoes can become mushy, and the basil wilts. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Soggy Salad

Overripe tomatoes or excessive dressing can lead to a soggy salad. Choose firm tomatoes and go easy on the liquids.

Flavorless Mozzarella

If your mozzarella lacks flavor, it could overshadow the whole dish. Always opt for high-quality, fresh mozzarella.

Making This Recipe with Kids

This recipe is kid-friendly and can be a fun way to introduce them to assembling salads. They can layer the ingredients, tear the basil, and even do the drizzling under supervision.

Topping Options

A sprinkle of sea salt, a dash of dried Italian herbs, or even some chopped olives could provide additional layers of flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this Mozzarella Caprese Salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. When ripe tomatoes meet luscious mozzarella and fresh basil, a kind of magic happens. The optional extra virgin olive oil lends richness, while the balsamic glaze offers a sweet and tangy contrast. Each component complements the others, creating a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. When you taste it, you’ll understand why this timeless Italian salad has conquered taste buds around the globe.

Whenever I go to events and there is a caprese salad on the menu, I am legitimately excited! The best part is that you really have to try hard to mess it up. Honestly, the basil, the cheese and the balsamic glaze is what makes this easy appetizer pop!

The best part is even though it’s a dish that is a classic Italian dish, and represents the colors of the flag, you can pretty much find it everywhere. I don’t know the first place I ever had it, but I fell in love immediately. 

The olive oil make a big difference too! My favorite olive oil is the Colavita brand. It has such a rich flavor and it’s a bit on the expensive side but oh so worth it!

What ingredients do you need for mozzarella caprese salad?

All you need are five simple ingredients: Basil Olive oil, Fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze and fresh mozzarella.

Related: Easy and Healthy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

What is balsamic glaze?

Balsamic glaze is the result of the blend of balsamic vinegar and a sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, that has been cooked down until it forms into this amazingly scrumptious thick, syrupy concoction.

Check out the super easy recipe below!

What more yummy salad recipes? Check these out!

• Easy Copycat Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
• Easy Homemade Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
• The Best Cobb Salad Recipe With Pan Seared Chicken
• Grilled Chicken Apple Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Super Easy Instant Pot Pasta Salad

Yield: 4 servings

Simple Mozzarella Caprese Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This simple and delicious recipe is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Using simple fresh ingredients, this will be a family favorite!

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Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh mozzarella
• 4 rope tomatoes (any color)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil or basil olive oil (optional)
• Balsamic glaze to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice a couple of gorgeous ripe tomatoes, not too thin. And then slice the fresh mozzarella.
2. Alternate slices of tomatoes an mozzarella on a plate, overlapping them so you can see some of each of the slices.
3. Alternate the basil between or stack up the basil leaves on top of the other, roll them up, then cut into thin slices and sprinkle those over the mozzarella and tomatoes.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Before serving sprinkle with fresh ground pepper.

Did you make this recipe?

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